10 Things to do on a rainy day in Cornwall

The great thing about South Cornwall is that come rain or shine, you are never short of things to do. Here’s our round up of the top tourist attractions in Cornwall which are also perfect rainy day activities.

1. Tate St Ives

The Tate St Ives is home to a range of exciting, ever-changing exhibitions, and features everything from beautiful landscape paintings to quirky art installations. With so much to see and do, the Tate is the ideal place to spend a drizzly day. And the stunning beachside location is guaranteed to impress whatever the weather.

2. National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum is nestled in Falmouth’s Discovery Quay and features 15 galleries which showcase all sorts of maritime history and culture. Watch shipwrights restoring vessels in the Boatbuilding Workshop, discover treasured artefacts, listen to tales of Cornish fishermen, or learn more about local conservation – whatever floats your boat!

3. Bodmin Jail

Discover what life was like as an 18th century prisoner at Bodmin Jail. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the dark, dank cells, see the jail’s famous execution pit, or simply marvel at this historic building’s amazing architecture. The Jail is also home to a fabulous tearoom – the perfect place to shelter during a downpour.

4. Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm

This family-run cider farm near Newquay makes for the perfect rainy day activity. Enjoy a fun-filled tractor ride around the orchards, or if you need to shelter from a downpour, explore the production facility, museum, and brand new visitor centre. Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample one of their delicious ciders or freshly pressed juices.

5. The Shipwreck Centre, Charlestown

The Shipwreck Centre is home to a range of artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks, the oldest dating back to 1715. With exhibitions dedicated to the HMS Titanic, world war losses, and Westcountry shipwrecks, it’s the ideal place to brush up on your history of Charlestown and learn more about some of the most well known maritime voyages which ended in tragedy.

6. The Eden Project

Whether it’s sunshine or showers, you’re guaranteed an amazing day out at The Eden Project. As soon as you enter the famous biomes, you’re instantly transported to warmer climates and can explore fragrant, tropical rainforests and meander through vast Mediterranean landscapes without even leaving Cornwall. There is also a fantastic range of restaurants and cafes to take shelter in.

7. St Austell Brewery

What better way to spend a rainy day than enjoying the St Austell Brewery’s interactive Brewing Experience tour. Learn more about these award-winning ales, discover the secrets behind the 160 year old brewing process, sample some delicious tasters, and top the whole afternoon off with a hearty meal and refreshing St Austell Ale at the Hicks Bar.

8. Royal Cornwall Museum

As well as housing thousands of artefacts from Cornwall and the rest of the world, the Royal Cornwall Museum is also home to the county’s finest art collection and an excellent Poldark exhibition. It’s the perfect place to learn more about local life and culture during your stay in Cornwall, and the interactive resources are sure to keep the kids occupied on a rainy day.

9. Blue Reef Aquarium

Journey from Cornish coasts to exotic seas as you explore 40 naturally-themed habitats at Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium. Enjoy captivating views of the colourful coral reef from the underwater tunnel and get up close to all kinds of wonderful marine life, including Black Tip Reef Sharks, Giant Pacific Octopus and Loggerhead Turtles.

10. Carnglaze Caverns

Carnglaze Caverns is a former slate mine on the edge of Bodmin Moor, and is a truly mesmerising tourist attraction. Meander downwards through the beautifully lit caverns, discover the history of the 300 year old mine, and enjoy views across the crystal clear underground lake. And if the rain has stopped once you surface, there are acres of beautiful gardens and ancient woodland to explore.

Fancy a taking a break in Cornwall? Take a closer look at our accommodation at Clowance.